There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 24 Filial Piety

Li Shuchen, resting her chin on her hands, said, "So, I'm going to get some fruit to sell."

Li Shuchen looked at Gu Ziying: "Ziying, is your engagement true?"

Gu Ziying said calmly, "It's true, it was arranged by our parents when we were young."

Li Shuchen frowned. He didn't want her to be bound by her parents' wishes and the words of a matchmaker.

Ziying is such a wonderful girl, what kind of man could be worthy of her? She is proficient in all the arts, knowledgeable, reasonable, and understanding. And yet, they're so casually getting engaged.

What if that man isn't a good person?

What if the man mistreats her after marriage?

What to do if your mother-in-law is difficult to get along with?

What should she do if her in-laws pressure or urge her?

What if something happens at home and Ziying has to shoulder it all by herself?

Li Shuchen grew increasingly frightened. No, he couldn't just get married so casually.

Li Shuchen stood up, slammed his hand on the table, and asked:

What is the other party's name?

How many years?

Where do you live?

Where to go

What kind of character

How does she look?

Li Shuchen's barrage of questions nearly left Gu Ziying bewildered, and Bai Yanran was also stunned.

Although she also wanted to know, Li Shuchen was too excited.

Bai Yanran patted Li Shuchen's hand: "Miss Li, calm down."

Gu Ziying replied: "His surname is Hai, his given name is Yao Yi, he is twenty-four years old, and he lives in Weijing City. His father is a Hanlin Academician, and he himself has the title of Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination)."

As for him personally, I only saw him once or twice from afar at banquets, and I know nothing of his character.

Li Shuchen could tell from Gu Ziying's indifferent expression that she was filled with helplessness.

Li Shuchen: When will we get married?

Gu Ziying: "The wedding date is set for winter."

Li Shuchen thought about it and realized there was still time. She relaxed a bit, confident that she could find out everything about Hai Yao.

But Gu Ziying needs to relax now.

Li Shuchen said softly, "Ziying, let's go to Jiangnan together to relax."

Gu Ziying pondered for a moment: "That's fine, I'm afraid there won't be any more opportunities to travel so far in the future."

Gu Ziying leaned against the window, looking up at the outside, her eyes lifeless, as if she were about to shatter.

Li Shuchen walked over, hugged Gu Ziying, gently patted her back, and said softly, "How could that be? We're still so young, we'll have plenty of opportunities. If you want to go out and have fun, just call me, I'm always ready to go."

Gu Ziying hugged Li Shuchen back and smiled slightly, "Thank you."

Bai Yanran also said, "When you go out to play, you can also invite me. Although I'm busy, I'll make time if you ask."

Gu Ziying's smile deepened, and she said softly, "Okay."

What's there to be afraid of? She still has good friends, doesn't she?

When Li Shuchen saw her smile, he smiled too.

Bai Yanran covered her mouth and smiled: "Then let's set off together on the third day of the fourth month."

Li Shuchen and Gu Ziying: "Okay"

Li Shuchen: "Oh dear, I was so busy talking that the food is almost cold."

Li Shuchen quickly served some food to Gu Ziying and Bai Yanran.

Li Shuchen: "Eat quickly!"

She then buried herself in her work, having skipped breakfast and nearly starving herself to death.

Seeing Li Shuchen eating so heartily, Gu Ziying and Bai Yanran also developed a strong appetite.

After a satisfying meal, the three agreed to meet at the pier at 9:00 AM on the third day of the fourth lunar month.

Li Shuchen returned to the inn in Bai Yanran's carriage and went straight to the kitchen.

I went over during lunchtime when the kitchen was a bit quieter, and quickly taught Chef Wang how to make 'stuffed green peppers'.

Li Shuchen was holding an apron, about to put it on herself.

Cook Wang: "Oh dear, Miss looks so beautiful today, please don't get her clothes dirty!"

He then tried to push Li Shuchen out.

Li Shuchen tied his apron and said, "Aunt Wang, I'll teach you a dish, and we can add it to the menu later."

Cook Wang stopped what she was doing: "Then Miss, you must be careful."

Li Shuchen: "I know, Aunt Wang, don't worry."

Li Shuchen went to get the ingredients, and while preparing them, he said to Aunt Wang, "The ingredients are quite simple. We need green peppers and fresh pork. The pork should have a good balance of fat and lean meat; it will taste better that way."

Aunt Wang saw what Li Shuchen took and took the same thing as him.

Li Shuchen did one step, and Aunt Wang did one step.

When it was finally done cooking, Li Shuchen tasted the stuffed green peppers made by Chef Wang.

Li Shuchen: "The taste is okay, but the meat filling isn't firm enough."

Aunt Wang got the ingredients again and cooked it a few more times, until it was almost the same as Li Shuchen's.

Li Shuchen looked out the window; it was almost dusk. He had been thinking about getting Xiao'er's clothes, and he couldn't forget again today.

So, Grape and I, carrying all the clothes in big and small bags, happily went home.

As soon as Li Shuchen entered the house, he called out, "Dad, Mom, Xiao'er, come and see! I bought you some wonderful things!"

Master Li came out of the house and said to Li Shuchen, "What are you shouting for, young lady? You have no manners at all."

Upon hearing this, Madam Li slapped Mr. Li's arm.

Madam Li: "What nonsense are you talking about? I think Chen'er is just fine as he is. He's lively and energetic, much better than before. As long as he's healthy, what more could we ask for?"

Master Li smiled ingratiatingly and nodded hastily, "Yes, yes, Madam is right."

Li Shuchen was speechless when he saw his father's worthless appearance.

Li Lingxiao came out of the east wing: "Did my older sister bring these? Are they new clothes she bought for me?"

Li Shuchen lifted the bundle to show: "Yes, everyone has one."

Then put your things down and spin around in place.

Li Shuchen smiled brightly: "Do you think my new clothes look good?"

Sunlight shone on Li Shuchen's dress, making it sparkle, and the hairpin in her hair also shone brightly. The dimples on her face were particularly vivid.

Li Lingxiao blurted out involuntarily, "Beautiful! Sister is the most beautiful!"

Master Li was clearly taken aback for a moment, his eyes filled with relief, but he still said, "Hmph, not even half as pretty as your mother."

Madam Li stepped forward and adjusted the hair ornament on Li Shuchen's head: "Don't listen to your father's nonsense, my Shuchen has grown into a very beautiful young man."

Li Shuchen chuckled; she knew she was beautiful.

Li Shuchen took out clothes from his bundle and said, "This sky-blue and crescent-white one is for you, Xiao'er. You can wear it to school now that you're starting school."

Li Lingxiao happily accepted it: "Thank you, sister."

Li Lingxiao thought her older sister was amazing—she was good at making money and beautiful. She secretly resolved to study hard so as not to hold her sister back.

Li Shuchen took out another item: "Dad, this azure blue one is for you."

Mr. Li then chimed in, "Hmph, this outfit makes me look old."

They practically had Li Shuchen's inability to buy clothes written all over his face.

When Mr. Li saw Madam Li pick up a sky-blue women's dress, and below it another sky-blue garment that appeared to be men's clothing, he quickly picked it up as well.

He glanced at the lady's, then at his own.

Nodding in satisfaction, he said, "Hmm, not bad. My Chen'er has good taste."

Li Shuchen was speechless, uttering a single, profound statement.

Madam Li stroked Li Shuchen's hair, her eyes slightly red, and murmured, "My Shuchen has really grown up. He can even earn money and buy clothes for the family."

Madam Li looked at Li Shuchen carefully. Before, her Chen'er couldn't even speak clearly, but now he knew how to earn money and be filial to his parents. It was truly wonderful.